Organization Profile
Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, part of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), is a tertiary hospital with more than 100 inpatient medical beds and 21 outpatient specialty clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. It is home to one of only two pediatric emergency departments in Oregon, caring for children and adolescents in both medical and psychiatric crises.
Implementation of Zero Suicide
Doernbecher has seen sharp increases in psychiatric crises and near-lethal suicide attempts among children and adolescents. To respond, the Zero Suicide team launched a biannual workforce survey identifying needs for de-escalation training, standardized safety planning, and more evidence-based treatment training.
The Stanley Brown Safety Plan model was implemented hospital-wide and integrated into the EHR. More than 20 ED and CAP social workers completed Safety A training. OHSU/Doernbecher also approved formalized de-escalation training. Physical safety upgrades included key card access to all inpatient units and stairwells, reducing patient elopements.
Key Outcomes
Firearm and Medication Safety Program
- Only 26% of eligible patients received safety consultations.
- Once referred, 99% of families met with staff; 86% accepted at least one safety product.
- Of those, 90% reported continued use; 98% felt their child was safer.
Staff Support and Training
Workforce survey results led to system-wide de-escalation training, integration of safety plans in the EHR, and safety assessments of the hospital building.
Collaboration for Comprehensive Care
The Zero Suicide work group partnered with the Doernbecher Injury Prevention Program and IMPWR group, completing a hospital-wide safety and risk assessment.
Next Steps
Doernbecher plans to partner with the Oregon Health Authority to track statewide suicide attempts and deaths, informing prevention strategies and supporting earlier interventions.
Conclusion
By embedding Zero Suicide practices into workflows, training, and physical safety, Doernbecher has improved patient and staff safety, increased family engagement in firearm and medication safety, and built a foundation for statewide collaboration.